Foreign stars key to FA Cup final success according to new research

Overseas stars have played a pivotal role in English football’s main cup competition

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Whether it is diving or the odd dirty tackle, foreign players – rightly or wrongly – take their fair share of the blame when it comes to the ills of English football.

However, overseas stars may hold the key to success in the FA Cup according to new research.

“overseas players are vitally important when it comes to winning the world’s oldest cup competition”

A study conducted by www.bettingexpert.com and Ladbrokes has revealed the incredible impact foreign players have had in English football’s biggest domestic cup competition.

The figures show that, out of the last 30 finals, the team with the greater number of overseas players have come out on top on an incredible 24 occasions.

All of which suggests Manchester United – who are likely to field more foreign stars than opponents Crystal Palace – could be the team to back for a victory.

A BettingExpert spokesman said: “It’s clear to see that overseas players are vitally important when it comes to winning the world’s oldest cup competition. Looking at likely starting lineups, it would be a good bet that the trend continues with the stats pointing to another win for United.”

History is also on the Red Devils’ side, with United winning the FA Cup on four occasions when they have kicked off with more imported stars.

In fact, the last team to win the FA Cup with a higher number of British and Irish players were United’s old FA Cup rivals Arsenal, who beat Chelsea in those circumstances back in 2002.

“despite England’s captain leading United out, it could be the quality of the overseas players that makes the difference”

The Gunners hold the record for highest number of FA Cup wins in the club’s history, with 12 titles to their name.

However, Manchester United can draw level with them provided they beat Palace and claim their first FA Cup title in 11 years.

Given United’s focus on foreign stars, Ladbrokes are in agreement in backing Louis van Gaal’s team for victory.

A Ladbrokes spokesman said: “The stats and our odds are very much in agreement that despite England’s captain leading United out, it could be the quality of the overseas players that makes the difference for the favourites.”

With Brexit, very much on the agenda, we wouldn’t be surprised to see more than a few Manchester United fans backing the Bremain campaign come the FA Cup final.